Sign In
Seamwork 12: The Warmth Issue
The November issue of Seamwork is up and ready for you to read!
In this issue:
- Behind the Seams: Take an in-depth look at an early 1960s sheath dress.
- Conquering the Welt: Learn how to sew single and double welt pockets with David Page Coffin..
- The Secret Lives of Looms: Everything you need to know about the structural properties of fabric from hand weaving, by Tasha Griffith.
- How to start a small clothing brand: Sadie Roberts of Tradlands offers her experience building a US-made clothing label from the ground up.
- Keeping Warm: A Guide to Fabrics for Coats and Jackets, by Erin Weisbart.
- From Sheep to Steam: Explore the history, science, and benefits of wool, by Tasha Griffith.
- A Funny Thing Happened: Sewing lessons through mistakes, by Barbara Clark.
- The Seamworker’s Guide to Paris: Explore Paris with pattern designer and teacher, Christine Haynes.
- Block, Paper, Scissors: Make a feminine petal sleeve using a basic sleeve, by Devon Iott.
- Handmade Beauty: Relax with a soothing oatmeal bath, by Kat Siddle.
- Seamwork Style: Mix and match patterns for a unique me-made wardrobe.
Some favorite quotes from this issue:
“You may have sewn the prettiest party dress or the rockinest jeans, but in the winter, how is anyone to see your awesome handmade wardrobe when you’re always bundled up under something warm? Sew your own coat or jacket!” -Erin Weisbart, Keeping Warm
“I couldn’t believe my luck. I finished the last few stitches securing the invisible zip, snipped the threads and headed over to the ironing board for a press-out. It wasn’t until I flipped the garment over that I saw the most beautifully inserted invisible zipper I have ever sewed, bar none. And I said to myself, I have just conquered sewing.” -Barbara Clark, A Funny Thing Happened
“When my grandmother taught me how to weave, I had an epiphany about how grainlines and bias impact garment sewing. Suddenly, I understood why it’s so important to match grainlines, why you can get away with cutting some pieces cross-grain but not others, and why the same pattern, if made up in fabrics that are cut in different directions, will result in garments that behave so differently.” -Tasha Griffith, The Secret Life of Looms
And here are the two new quick-to-sew patterns in this issue:
Cold weather is all about layers. Any layered look would be incomplete without the addition of a cardigan. Wembley is a relaxed fit cropped cardigan. It features an angled hem that dips slightly at the front. A neck and hem band finish this cropped cardigan.
Make your favorite new outerwear piece in just three hours. Camden is a fully lined cape with stylish seaming. It’s paneled design makes it a cinch to cut and fit. Practical arm slits make Camden just as practical as it is chic. (A special thank you to Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics for this lovely boiled wool!)
You can visit Seamwork.com to read the issue, download it from the current issue page, or subscribe to get the patterns.
Comments
Peta Louise
November 1, 2015 #
Another beautiful issue! I especially love Christine’s article – now I am longing to return to Paris!!
Jacqueline
November 1, 2015 #
I’ve just received the current Seamwork issue. As a ‘mature’ age subscriber, I *love* seeing your beautiful, elegant, more-than-20-something model. Not only is she gorgeous, more importantly, she models the clothing pieces with ease, confidence and grace. Am I biased in thinking this was a special photo shoot?!
Congratulations on your choice of models – and also, the number of completed examples of each pattern shown in this issue. I particularly enjoyed seeing the cape in a range of fabrics and colourways. It’s also very interesting/ useful to see some of your past patterns paired with the current pieces (Osaka skirt, zip clutch etc. etc.)
Thanks again for another enjoyable issue!
¡Helen!
November 1, 2015 #
Love seeing an older model, since I’m in my (gasp!) mid 50s. Keep up with age and size diversity! Also loved the mixing of past patterns. Reinforces your “wardrobe” branding with great inspiration. Well done, Coletterie Team!
Delfica
November 1, 2015 #
“I don’t like that food scratched attack your ankles, sleep claw hiss knock over the lamp”
Hahaha. Did the cat take over the keyboard?
Sarai
November 1, 2015 #
Ha! We use a kitty cat version of Lorem Ipsum text when we lay things out, and some of it snuck in!
Delfica
November 1, 2015 #
That is fantastic. My cat’s brain must be a manic, static buzz of kitty lorem ipsum on repeat.
Betty Jordan Wester
November 1, 2015 #
Super cute cape pattern! And I love your model. She is so beautiful!
Suzanne
November 1, 2015 #
If you do a pattern hack that includes putting a hood on the Camden, all of my Autumn sewing dreams have just come true. :)
Erin
November 5, 2015 #
I second this! Please consider having a hood as an add-on pattern! It would be perfect.
Marsha
November 1, 2015 #
Dang!!! The cover model!! So pretty!!! Love the diversity!!!
Pelly
November 1, 2015 #
How did you know I needed a cardi pattern?!?!? It’s spring heading into summer here in Australia, so I’ll be making something in light cotton jersey and investigating the possibilities of fine stretch mesh.
I’ll save the cape for next (southern) autumn, and second the request someone else posted for a hood!
Finally, may I just say how absolutely beautiful I find this month’s model.
Joke
November 2, 2015 #
So excited about:
– A European city guide! It’s been 4 years since I’ve visited Paris, this seems like a good excuse!
– Pattern pairings: so nice to see outfits!
– A cape! Now how do you keep your arms warm while biking in one?
Skye
November 2, 2015 #
Well, this sealed the deal on my Seamwork subscription. This is exactly what I wanted and I can’t wait to sew it. I also love that it can be made in waxed canvas, which will be perfect for gardening on a cold, drizzly day.
Niamh
November 2, 2015 #
I am so excited about those patterns! Exactly what I want and need for my winter layering. I love curling up with Seamwork and a cup of hot tea – it’s a nice little treat every month. And the sewing guide to Paris – YES. THIS. Thank you!
lynne
November 2, 2015 #
what a lovely issue and yes, a beautiful model. So nice to see a range of different ages
Katie
November 2, 2015 #
Love the model… love the cardi… the cape is cool too… great piece to have to go to the symphony in this winter… Amazing work! Very excited to read the articles!
Virginia
November 2, 2015 #
Yaaay!! I have been waiting with bated breath for a cold weather issue. The patterns this month are devine!! My wardrobe is devoid of hand made cardis and I’ve been wanting to change that very badly. The Cape is even more exciting!! I love capes but, on top of that, I’m planning on making a Lady Grey coat for winter and the Camden will be excellent practice working with wool and linings!
Valentina
November 2, 2015 #
Wow, great issue! I love everything about it: articles patterns and the model. Thank you Coletterie team you are doing a great job, please continue like this!
Liz
November 2, 2015 #
Love the model! And the cardi :)
Emily Kropp
November 5, 2015 #
Hi Seamwork team,
I just wanted to write a note to tell you how much I loved this issue. It’s my favorite yet! The stories are all lovely, the welt pocket tutorial was impressive and so useful, and the styling of your two new patterns is inspiring.
Keep up the beautiful work!
Sheri
November 9, 2015 #
I’m enjoying this issue. I love your choice of the model and the cape is simply fabulous.
Mary Kay
November 29, 2015 #
Love the Wembley cardigan and made it yesterday out of a bamboo terry knit. It took longer to print, tape and cut the pattern pieces than it did to make the garment. But I have one question. Shouldn’t the end of pattern piece E, front neckband, that attaches to the back neckband be an inverted “V” shape? The illustration in the instructions certainly suggests that, and I couldn’t make it fit otherwise, but the pattern piece is pointy on both ends. I’m an experienced sewer (sewist?) so I can usually figure out how to overcome confusion with something in a pattern, but I know that your patterns appeal to beginners, too, and I’m not sure first-timers would know what to do.
In any case, I love how the garment turned out and will be making another soon! Many thanks for the simple yet stylish designs for those of us with too little time to sew.